A/N: Okay, I started working on By The Book from Eomer's POV. Unless something happens to interfere, I don't think it will take too long to get it worked up, though, as I mentioned, there is a lot more "new stuff" that comes into play with that story since they are so far apart most of the time.
Replies:
Shadows of Moonlight, Jenn, wondereye – probably the reason most romances come from the female's side of the story is that they are written by women authors who identify with their heroine. Some do it in third person and you get both sides, but many writers find it easier to write from a certain character's perspective. The original story of No Mistake was purposely written from Lothiriel's perspective for the simple reason that I didn't want the reader to be sure how Eomer felt about her until she found out for herself. I also wrote Eye of the Beholder from Eomer's perspective for a specific reason – I wanted you to see his thought process as he came to see Lothiriel's hidden beauty. I wanted you to see the internal thoughts and changes he went through. And, actually, I rather enjoy writing from Eomer's POV!
shie1dmaidenofrohan – Yay! More An Act of Desperation! And you did exactly what you intended – Lothiriel has a bit of the same personality but your situations will differ. I did read a story by another author and kept thinking "this sounds familiar" because several of her plot elements matched something from a story I had done. Luckily, she eventually brought in her own uniqueness and it veered away from that. I didn't have that sense in reading your latest chapter. I "recognized" Lothiriel as being the person I consider her to be, but I do that in other stories; what I didn't see was "she's writing a story using my character".
Chapter 4
Most of the residents of Edoras turned out to welcome home their King, and bow respectfully as Theoden's body passed. I was both humbled and honored by their homage. How could I ever hope to match Theoden in their hearts? We had all loved him dearly. I gritted my teeth to quell the emotion building in me. A warrior did not show his weakness.
Sometimes it was easy on the journey to Edoras to forget our main purpose – to lay Theoden to rest with his kin. That purpose came back to me forcefully as I watched our people sorrowing. I was feeling the loss keenly myself. The time that had passed since Theoden's death in battle had eased my pain somewhat, but I had little doubt the funeral would be difficult for both me and Eowyn.
Gamling appeared as we made our way to Meduseld, and a contingent of aides helped him begin to sort through the guests and see them to their quarters during their visit. Some of Gondor's lesser nobles did not appear too pleased at their rather humble accommodations, but none dared voice their objections aloud for fear of King Elessar's ire if he should hear. For a moment, it angered me, but having seen Minas Tirith and the way they lived there, I supposed I could understand that this was a new experience for them. Hopefully their opinion of Rohan would not be too colored by it.
As most of our guests wished to rest before the evening's feast, I hurried off to my chambers as well. Gamling had a few matters that needed my immediate attention, but thankfully he had set aside everything that could wait for a time. Despite the reason for Gondor's visit here, protocol had to be observed and there was a banquet planned for tonight. I found myself dreading it, wanting nothing more than a quiet meal with my friends, and perhaps a little time alone with Lothiriel, though that was unlikely to occur. I was at least grateful that Eowyn would be spared from most of the socializing by the presence of Faramir. She would have to greet our guests, of course, but I was certain he would stay near her side and help her get through it all.
I was last to arrive for supper, along with the King and Queen of Gondor. All rose until we were seated and then the food was brought in. I stole a few glances at Lothiriel, but dared not make my looks too obvious and she was too far away. I could at least ask her to dance, under the guise of hospitality, though I was not sure she would not be avoiding me too much to make that possible.
When the meal concluded, the tables were pushed back for dancing, as entertainment for the guests. I found it objectionable that it should be necessary to entertain guests for a funeral, but so it was. Despite the reason for the gathering, the nobles of both Gondor and Rohan's courts carried on in their usual manner. The nobles of Rohan seemed determined to impress their fancier counterparts from Gondor, and Gondor's nobles were acting vastly superior to this lesser royal court.
As if the social posturing were not bad enough, the eligible women of Gondor were bent on throwing themselves at me. Did they even think or care what my feelings might be on such an occasion? There was no evidence that they did. To them, this was like any other dance – to be used to find favor with some eligible male and, in this case, I was their main target. And I had little choice but to tolerate this distasteful game of theirs.
As the evening proceeded, my annoyance increased and my tolerance decreased for these women, but what could I do? Throw a fit and chastise them all publicly? No, I would just have to endure it. Perhaps I could get someone to drag me into a drinking contest and I could pretend to pass out early on.
I had managed to escape a few dances, pleading weariness, and went off to collect a drink to quench my thirst. While I stood talking with Imrahil, I noticed Lothiriel move into our circle and, not unexpectedly, her father commented, "Eomer, I do not believe Lothiriel has had the pleasure of dancing with you this night." I hesitated, for appearance sake, though I was actually quite anxious to dance with her, but replied, "No, we have not danced." Naturally, I expected her to dodge the suggestion and make herself scarce, but when she lingered, there was nothing I could do but make an offer, "Would you be inclined to dance the next with me, Lady Lothiriel?"
"I would be honored, my lord."
I quirked a quizzical eyebrow at her response, but only smiled. When the music began, I offered my hand and we moved onto the dance floor.
"I am amazed. How is it I find you not trying to avoid me at all cost?" I questioned, though I was loath to do anything to discourage her presence on my arm.
She gazed into my eyes a long moment, as though looking for something there. "I have come to be a good friend to you," she told me quietly, so as not to be overheard.
I looked curiously at her, not at all certain what she meant, and she continued, "I find it completely offensive that you should have these women throwing themselves at you at such a time as this. Has it occurred to none of them that you might be grieving and this is not the proper time to be pursuing you?" Her anger was reflected on her face, and I smiled gently down at her. Dare I hope there might be a little bit of jealousy involved in this maneuver also?
"I do not think they have really considered it in that light. They only see this as possibly their one chance to impress me."
"And are you impressed with women who show so little concern for your feelings?" she asked pointedly.
I shrugged, but she seemed to know the answer already. "So, my friend, we come to the reason you find me dancing with you."
My eyes narrowed, knowing her schemes could be...extravagant. "And that is?"
"I fear, my lord, that you may be about to suffer an injury that will make you incapable of dancing any longer this night. Indeed, likely you will need to withdraw to your room and lay down."
I wasn't entirely sure what she was talking about, and my face must have reflected the fact, but I soon found out. Taking a stutter step, she deftly planted one of her feet between mine just as I was moving sideways. There was no way to avoid tripping, and I nearly went to my knees, almost taking her down with me. This was helping me?
"My lord!" she exclaimed in horror. "I am so embarrassed! Please pardon my clumsiness! Are you hurt?"
When I looked into her face, I saw her wink, but I managed to hold back a grin and played along. "I think I have injured my leg. Perhaps I should sit down."
She offered herself for me to lean on as I hobbled to a nearby bench, and I made the most of the opportunity by clutching her closely to me. Gamling had spotted us and quickly appeared at my side. "My lord, are you unwell?"
She spoke up, a bit louder than necessary so she was sure to be overheard, "I fear my clumsiness has caused the King to be injured. He should lie down as soon as possible and put the leg up on cushions, that he may heal quickly."
Gamling signaled to two other men, who came to my side and assisted me in standing. Before letting them help me to my room I told her, "My lady, please do not be distressed by this. I am sure it was not your fault and I should be fine by morning. I hope you will stay and enjoy the rest of your evening."
"Thank you, my lord. You are very kind."
The only thing that would have made this even better would be if she had accompanied me and we could be alone together, but that could not happen, so I settled for the escape she had provided. I hobbled from sight, much to the displeasure of the other ladies in the hall and her father. I knew she was risking another chiding, but she seemed willing to face it if it helped me, and for that I was most grateful. This dance tonight would fulfill my obligation to my guests, and I should be able to avoid such things the remainder of the time they would be here.
xxxxx
The remaining days to the funeral passed slowly. I saw little of Lothiriel, though I noticed her leaving the hall often and her brother told me she was spending most of her leisure exploring the city, and becoming acquainted with its people. As few others among the Gondor crowd seemed inclined to know us as a people, it warmed my heart and endeared her to me even more that she would do so. She did not seek to ingratiate herself to our nobility, but went out among the common people who were the true heart of Rohan. My esteem for her grew by leaps and bounds.
The day before the funeral, both Eowyn and I were more on edge and quieter than usual. While Eowyn had Faramir, I had no one, and I longed to have Lothiriel near me to help me through this, but could not see a way to do it. I went to bed that night despite feeling no inclination to sleep. After tossing for some time, I finally gave up and rose, threw on some clothes and wandered out to the Golden Hall. Even though it was August, there was always a chill in the air at night and I knew the fire in the Hall would feel good.
Pushing open the door, I entered the Hall and made for the fire, but I was surprised by the presence of another person already there. Lothiriel clutched at her chest in fright and gasped, "You startled me!"
With a rueful grin, I apologized by telling her, "I am sorry. The night is dark and I was making no effort to be seen." She laughed at my replay of words she had spoken to me previously.
"You have a good memory," she commented.
"Yes. It helps when I am in public and my wit is in short supply."
She let out a choked laugh and covered her mouth with a hand. "Somehow, it sounds worse when you say it that way! I did not mean to insult you so!"
I stepped closer and gazed into her eyes. She clearly was at a loss to know what I was doing, until suddenly I bent and swished the hem of her gown, revealing the toes of her slippers. I gave her a look of disappointment. "You have lied to me. A lady's skirts hide nothing!"
Giggling, she retorted, "I did not say they always hide things, only that they could."
Now that we were this close, she must have been able to see my tiredness, for she asked, "Tell me, what keeps the King of Rohan up so late this night? He looks greatly in need of rest."
My expression immediately sobered as I turned away, pondering what to say. I had been using humor to try and buoy my spirits but it had failed, and she had seen right through me. Somehow I wasn't very surprised by that. She seemed to read me quite well. Finally I explained to her, "Burying my Uncle seems so final. Up until now, it has almost felt as if he was walking beside me, his hand on my shoulder, guiding me. I fear the funeral tomorrow will make that disappear and I will be alone."
She moved next to me and caught my arm to turn me toward her, and I welcomed her touch. "If he leaves you tomorrow, Eomer, it will only be because he knows that you no longer need him guiding you – that you are ready to be King on your own."
She smiled reassuringly at me, and the next thing I knew I had completely lost my composure. I wrapped my arms tightly around her waist and began sobbing into her shoulder. Slowly she placed her arms around my neck, and stroked my head, waiting for my tears to ease. It seemed if she would just keep her arms around me forever, I could survive anything, and I did not want to let go of her ever again.
Slowly, as my tears abated, I began to speak, "I don't remember my father very well; Eowyn even less. But Theoden was as a father to us, loving us the same as Theodred. And Theodred was as a brother to me, not jealous of his father's affection for us. When Theoden is laid to rest, then they will truly be gone, and Eowyn will leave soon after. I will have lost all my family." I had never confessed any of these feelings to anyone, not even Eowyn, but it felt right telling her.
"No, not lost. Theoden and Theodred will always remain in your heart. And while Eowyn will be separated from you, she is not lost. You can write letters and visit her as often as you are able. Do not despair, Eomer. You are not alone."
I gave her a shaky smile, surprisingly comforted by her observations, and she continued, "And what you make of Rohan as her King will stand as a tribute to one who loved you as a father." Again I squeezed her tightly and buried my face in her neck, but this time I had more control and did not cry. If I could stand here with her in my arms the rest of tonight, then maybe I could make it through tomorrow.
"Yes. I will be Theoden's legacy in place of Theodred. I will not fail my King," I whispered.
My hold on her loosened a bit, which I regretted when she pulled back to look into my face. "You should try to sleep. Tomorrow will be a difficult day for you; more so if you have not slept."
I nodded, reluctant to part from her but realizing the truth of her words, and wiped at my eyes. A grin creased my face, "If your father is appalled at your unseemly behavior in public, what would he think of mine?"
She smiled back. "Perhaps that is why we are friends – we are societal misfits!"
With a laugh, I asked, "Will you return to your bed as well, or would you stay up longer?"
To my surprise and pleasure, she reached for my arm, "I think I am ready to sleep now. My friends no longer need me at present."
We slowly made our way back and, at her door, I exercised great restraint in only softly kissing her forehead. "Thank you, friend. I do not know how I would have gotten through the night if you had not appeared." She lightly touched my cheek and stepped inside her room.
xxxxx
The funeral the next day was very emotional. The people of Edoras who gathered had dearly loved Theoden and mourned his passing. I hoped they would come to love me even half so well. I would do my best to be a good king.
Eowyn sang a song in Rohirric, though she struggled to get through it as her voice threatened to fail her. Faramir stood beside Lothiriel and I think it took all the willpower he possessed to keep from rushing to Eowyn's side. I only wished he could do so and that Lothiriel could come to me. But protocol did not allow either and so we suffered apart. Once, when I glanced at Lothiriel, she tried to smile encouragingly at me, and if not for that I might not have had the strength to endure. I kept my jaw tightly clenched to hide my emotion, and by the time the ceremony ended, I was emotionally drained and physically exhausted.
The stiff formalities were observed; guests approached me and Eowyn, offering their condolences, and a subdued crowd filled themselves on the food prepared. At least at this gathering, Faramir was able to stay near Eowyn's side and share his comfort with her.
But I was alone, and forced to sit stalwartly tall on my new throne, through the proceedings and endless line of well-wishers. Lothiriel had been one of the first to come through the line, and her hand clasp and unspoken support meant more to me than all the other words expressed. But too soon she was forced to move on and permit the rest to approach me. When at last the line had ended, and I could reasonably do so, I excused myself and exited the Golden Hall.
I had been absent from the main hall for nearly half an hour, sitting and staring numbly at the room before me, not even sure what my thoughts were. I was consumed with a dull ache for which there seemed to be no cure.
It startled me when a knock came at the door and I called out, "What is it?"
Gamling opened the door slightly and put his head in so he would not be heard in the hall, informing me that the Lady Lothiriel wished to speak with me privately if I did not object. I could hardly believe my ears. She had come! I quickly nodded my approval and he stepped back, opening the door wider for her to enter and then closing it behind her.
I gave her a weak smile from the low couch where I sat, and admitted, "I should have known you would come. But I did not think you would dare risk it."
"I would not dare risk being so poor a friend as to not come, Eomer," she answered, taking a seat beside me.
To prevent myself from throwing my arms around her and clutching her to me, I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees and staring at my hands. "Thank you."
She reached over and began to rub my back, but made no effort to initiate a conversation. I closed my eyes and felt the soothing power of her touch emanate through me, numbing the ache and loosening my tight muscles.
After a long while, I gave a ragged sigh and leaned back, catching her hand as she removed it from my back and holding it in my lap. I could not bear to break the physical connection with her yet. "It is done," I said, rubbing my face with the other hand. "I wish I felt as confident as you, and as you claim Theoden was, that I will do a good job in his stead."
"Not claim." I looked at her questioningly. "When Theodred died, certainly Theoden knew that made you his heir. Yet he did not object to the notion, did he? Indeed, Eowyn has said he was ready to turn rule over to her if both of you had died in battle. I think he had every confidence that either of you would do well and honor his memory with your service."
I considered this a moment, then shifted to put my arm around her and pull her close. "I suppose you are right. I had not thought of it that way." It was almost as if I felt her strength seeping into me and easing my burden of grief. We sat in silence, our heads resting against one another.
"How is Eowyn doing out there? I did not want to leave her alone, but I could not stay in that crowd any longer."
"She is not alone. Faramir has been at her side from the moment protocol allowed. He will see her through this. It is you that worried me. I would not have you go through this alone, but..."
I squeezed her shoulders. "I know. And you came as soon as you could. That is all that matters." How could I complain? She was here now, locked in my embrace. What more could I ask for?
After a while, I leaned back again, and apparently was soon fast asleep. When I awoke some time later, I discovered she had remained at my side, curled into my shoulder, and fallen asleep as well. I gazed down into her lovely face and studied her features while I could do so undetected. Never before had I noticed the freckles lightly sprinkled on her fair complexion. Her dark hair fell away from her face in curls and waves that looked so soft I wanted to bury my face in it. And then there were her lips, so tantalizingly near, smooth and tempting. She was asleep – what would be the harm? Before I could talk myself out of it, I leaned down and brushed a light kiss on them, not daring to linger too long lest she awaken.
My caution proved wise for a moment later she did awaken, appearing rather disoriented. I smiled down at her, noticing how disconcerted she seemed to be by my nearness, my arm around her and the way my hand was rubbing her arm. She raised her fingers to her lips and seemed to be looking for something – evidence of the kiss I had stolen, perhaps?
"Is something wrong?" I asked quietly.
She shook her head, and then murmured, "No...I just had the oddest dream. It seemed very real. I suppose I am having a hard time waking from it."
"Do you want to tell me about it?"
She firmly shook her head. "No, it is gone now. I am fine." I was disappointed. I had hoped she was beginning to feel something for me but, if she did, she was resisting it.
Smiling reassuringly at me, she asked, "Are you feeling better after your nap?"
When I nodded, she told me, "Then perhaps it is time I put in appearance again before anyone gets too curious about where I am." She rose quickly, and I reluctantly dropped my arm to my side, sorry to release her.
To hide my disappointment, I stood and moved to the window. "It is getting near dusk. Supper should be in a little while."
"Will I see you there?" she asked.
I shrugged. "Maybe. I have not decided yet. I suppose it would probably be rude if I didn't attend, with so many guests in attendance." In truth, I had to be there. Eowyn was counting on me to trothplight her to Faramir, but at the moment it was the last place I wanted to be.
There was a knock at the door and I stiffened. I called out, "Who is it?"
Gamling responded and cracked the door slightly, "My lord, supper will be in half an hour, if that is acceptable."
"Thank you, Gamling. Are the guests still in the Golden Hall or have they dispersed?"
"Most seem to have retired to their rooms, my lord. A few linger in conversation. Prince Imrahil was wondering where his daughter had gotten to, and I said she had excused herself a short while ago. If my lady has not yet seen our gardens, there are many new buds and it is still fairly warm out."
I grinned at his cleverness and understanding. "Thank you, Gamling."
Gamling bowed again and left. Once he was gone, I signaled for Lothiriel to follow me and we moved to another door that exited the room. We stepped into a dark and narrow corridor, and I pointed toward one end, "If you go to the end, there is a door that exits directly into the gardens. There may still be time for a quick look before supper."
"Ah, gardens! I owe them so much!" she laughed. Giving my arm a quick squeeze, she hurried off in the direction I had indicated and was quickly out the door. I waited until she was outside so that the light from my study would show her path in the darkness, and because I wanted every last second possible with her, even at a distance.
